New CalTopo LiDAR Elevation Data (What is LiDAR?)

For map lovers, CalTopo / SARTopo has added new high-resolution LiDAR elevation data to some of their map coverage. This quick video will show you why the new LiDAR data is excellent, how the elevation data (DEM) has evolved, and what we can expect moving forward with digital maps.

In this Guide:

What's New on CalTopo / SARTopo
How Was Elevation Calculated Before 3DEP?
How 3DEP Elevations are Entering the Mapset

UNDERSTAND TOPO MAPS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cl9fqdL9B_8
WHAT ARE WITNESS POSTS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P444qERDbnA
CALTOPO ANNOUNCEMENT: https://blog.caltopo.com/2022/05/27/latest-high-resolution-elevation-data-updates/
3DEP: https://www.usgs.gov/3d-elevation-program
3DEP Explorer: https://prd-tnm.s3.amazonaws.com/LidarExplorer/index.html
Historic Topos: https://livingatlas.arcgis.com/topoexplorer/index.html

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This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!).

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